WELCOME TO JURY SERVICE
You have been summoned for jury duty in St. Clair County. This information is provided
to assist you and answer questions you may have. The list below links to specific
topics of concern to jurors.

IMPORTANCE OF JURY SERVICE
Jurors perform a vital role in sustaining the American System of Justice.
The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork
of judge and jury who, working together in a common effort, put into practice the
principles of our great heritage of freedom. The judge determines the law to be
applied in the case while the jury decides the facts. Thus, in a very important
way, jurors become a part of the court itself.

Efficient jurors are men and women of sound judgment, absolute honesty, and a complete
sense of fairness. Jury service is a high duty of citizenship. The juror's greatest
reward is the knowledge that he or she has discharged this duty faithfully, honorably
and well. In addition to determining and adjusting property rights, jurors may also
be asked to decide questions involving a crime for which a person may be sentenced
according to law. In a very real sense, therefore, the people must rely upon jurors
for the protection of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO BE A JUROR?
You are exempt from jury service if:

1. You are not a resident of St. Clair County;
2. You have served as a juror within the last 12 months;
3. You are 70 or older - you may choose not to serve;
4. You have been convicted of a felony; or
5. You are on probation or parole.

HOW LONG WILL I SERVE ON JURY DUTY?
You are required to serve two weeks. Jurors are assigned a juror number, a group number and a pool number at the beginning of their term of service by mail. Juror panels are assigned
to a courtroom on a rotation basis as trials are confirmed. Jurors need to call
in each Monday after 5:00pm and follow the instructions for the remainder of the week during
their term of service.

PARKING
Parking passes are provided with the summons that has been mailed to you.Juror Parking Map

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET THERE?
Jurors are directed at call-in to report to a specific
courtroom for jury service. Courthouse security and information staff is available
to direct you to the proper location for service when you arrive. Once in the assigned
courtroom, attendance will be taken and an orientation will be provided by the jury
clerk.

When court begins, a number of jurors will be selected at random
to sit in the jury box. If you are selected as a juror, you will receive additional
instruction from the judge and courtroom staff. Trial times and the expected duration
of the trial will also be explained to you at that time.

Waiting
There is an old saying that "Those also serve who sit and wait." This is especially
true for jury service. There are many cases set for trial on the day you are called
for jury duty. While you are waiting, the judges, lawyers and litigant are making
last efforts to settle those cases without the expense and delay of a jury trial.
Often it is the mere presence of jurors that encourages an agreement that avoids
a prolonged trial.
During this waiting time, however, we must prevent any interaction which could prejudice
the pending trials. To protect the integrity of the system and to prevent mistrials,
you must stay in the courtroom unless excused by the Jury Clerk (you may not sit
in or wander in the hallway). We will try to make your waiting as convenient as
possible. Food/beverages are not allowed in the courtrooms.
Lunch will be at your own expense.

Dress code
Proper courtroom attire is required of jurors, staff, attorneys and all those
having business before the Court while in the courtroom. Exotic or scant clothing
should not be worn. Improper attire includes, but is not limited to the following:
Shorts, cutoffs, sleeveless t-shirts, slippers, bare midriffs, tanks and halter
tops, spandex pants and tights.

Smoking
The County Courthouse is a SMOKE FREE building.

JURORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

Jurors must be prompt in arriving at the court. A trial cannot begin unless all
jurors are present.

Jurors must give their undivided attention to the witnesses, attorneys, and proceedings.
Remember that the outcome of the case is very important to those concerned.

Jurors must not let radio, television, newspaper articles or other publicity concerning
a case affect their decision. A verdict must be based on the evidence presented
at trial.

Jurors must not discuss the case with friends, relatives, or trial participants.
If you are approached about the case, report the incident to the bailiff or judge
immediately.

Jurors must not become involved in independent investigations about the case. When
it becomes necessary to inspect a scene, the jury will do so as a group under the
court's supervision only.

Jurors must be impartial and avoid comments or expressions during the trial that
convey feelings about the case.

HOW DO I GET PAID?
In accordance with State Law, jurors selected
to report will receive $25.00 for the first day ($13.00 for the first half day)
and $40.00 ($20.00 for each half day) of each subsequent day of actual service plus
a travel reimbursement based on your zip code. Payment will be made in cash on your day of service. If required by
your employer, an attendance statement can be requested at the end of each week of service.

FINAL NOTE
The jury is a critical element in our system of justice. You should be proud of
your service as a juror. Your presence in the panel is necessary, regardless of
whether you are selected to serve on a case. The court and the litigants appreciate
your service.